The present article seeks to determine whether sector inquiries are a “substitute” or a "complement” to conventional competition enforcement techniques. The analysis shows that not unlike a “Swiss knife” ... [more ▼]

The present article seeks to determine whether sector inquiries are a “substitute” or a "complement” to conventional competition enforcement techniques. The analysis shows that not unlike a “Swiss knife”, sector inquiries constitute a convenient, multifunctional tool, which serves a variety of purposes. Sector inquiries indeed entitle the Commission to (i) lower the minimal procedural requirements which must be met to launch investigations; (ii) extend the substantive scope of its inquiries beyond mere infringements to Article 101 and 102 TFEU; and (iii) incentivize firms to spontaneously comply with the antitrust rules. In light, however, of a number of shortcomings arising from the Commission’s sector inquiries’ practice, this article formulates several “best practices” (which are also relevant for other competition authorities with similar powers). [less ▲]